Koh Samui in December

In December, Koh Samui averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 25°C (76°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 24 days of the month see precipitation (182 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Koh Samui, with some rain to plan around.

28°C
Avg high
25°C
Avg low
24
Rain days
182 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Koh Samui

12th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
12%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
11 h 34 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Koh Samui (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (29°C). December runs roughly the same as November (28°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Koh Samui

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:27 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:02 PM
Day length
11 h 34 min

Times shown for Koh Samui local time (Asia/Bangkok), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Koh Samui — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Koh Samui's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:27 AM – 6:07 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:07 AM – 7:07 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:22 PM – 6:22 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:22 PM – 7:02 PM

📅 When to book — Koh Samui in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Koh Samui's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Koh Samui

Shoulder

Koh Samui is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Koh Samui

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
10.4
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Koh Samui — December

28.8°C (84°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year Koh Samui's sea swings from 28.6°C (January) to 32.1°C (May) — December sits at 28.8°C.

Koh Samui in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 82°F 25°C / 76°F 113 mm 24
February 28°C / 83°F 25°C / 77°F 33 mm 17
March 30°C / 86°F 26°C / 78°F 32 mm 17
April 31°C / 87°F 27°C / 80°F 107 mm 23
May 31°C / 87°F 27°C / 80°F 130 mm 29
June 30°C / 86°F 27°C / 80°F 96 mm 27
July 30°C / 86°F 26°C / 79°F 115 mm 28
August 30°C / 86°F 26°C / 79°F 94 mm 28
September 29°C / 84°F 26°C / 78°F 172 mm 29
October 28°C / 83°F 25°C / 77°F 234 mm 31
November 28°C / 82°F 25°C / 77°F 274 mm 29
December 28°C / 82°F 25°C / 76°F 182 mm 24

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Koh Samui in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Koh Samui in December?

In December, Koh Samui averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 25°C (76°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Koh Samui in December?

December is quite rainy in Koh Samui, with about 24 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Koh Samui?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Koh Samui in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Koh Samui for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Koh Samui on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.